The Jamaica Plain Problem Properties Committee recently reported on updates with several local properties that have been in the news for their conditions. The committee, composed of City officials, Boston Police officers and residents, helps to direct City action on properties that appear to have ongoing issues with their conditions or uses.
38-40 Sheridan St.
Following Gazette reporting that the house at 38-40 Sheridan St. is currently without owners of any sort, the City’s Tax Department is trying to “get some attention,” said Rob Torres, a member of state Rep. Liz Malia’s office, who maintains the JP Problem Properties Committee list.
Elderly Doris Warren, the last owner, died alone in her home in June 2012 and was not found until her letter carrier called authorities about a week later. Her husband, Raymont Warren Jr. died 12 years earlier. The couple did not designate an heir, so currently, the home is without owners.
When the Gazette inquired about it in December, a Suffolk County Probate Court employee said the City could appoint a public administrator to manage the property, but that has not yet happened due to lack of interest.
An instrument of taking, the first of many steps for the City to take control of a property, was filed in January. A Gazette request for comment from the City was not immediately returned.
25 Chilcott Place
Owned by JP resident John Darling, 25 Chilcott Place has been on the list since November 2011. It has recently been fined $140 for over grown weeds. A lien has also been placed on the property for failure to register a management company.
The Gazette was unable to reach Darling for comment.
52 Montebello Road
The City has foreclosed on half on the property at 52 Montebello Road. According to Torres, the six units on the property are split into two trusts, one of which has been successfully foreclosed upon. The City is continuing to work to foreclose on the remaining three units.
The property has been on JP’s list since mid-2012.
3116-3122 Washington St.
The property at 3116-3122 Washington St./87 School St., believed by some neighbors to be a rooming house, has been placed on the city-wide Problem Property list based on the number of 911 calls placed about it.
The City’s Inspectional Services Department (ISD) has also issued a violation for the property. Five unrelated people were living in one unit, meeting the definition for a rooming house, according to the Problem Properties Committee.
ISD and Boston Police (BPD) are trying to conduct a full inspection of the building’s interior, but have been able to get access so far, Torres said. Owned by George Stamatos and others, it has been on JP’s list since September 2012.
The house at 52 Montebello Road on Feb. 11. (Gazette Photo by Rebeca Oliveira)